MCT camp provides creative outlet for students

With handmade caps on and props in hand, the participants in Midland Community Theatre’s Spring Break Fine Arts Camp took to the stage Friday afternoon to show off what they had learned.

More than 90 elementary students attended the week-long camp, which was led by 41 seventh- through 12th-grade student volunteers known as the Pickwick Players.

MCT Education Director Judith Giebler said the camp is “the epitome of the education program” at the theater.

“We’re very blessed that the camp has been a success for us, which is largely because the Pickwicks are so passionate about it,” Giebler said. “They want to give back to a program they’ve grown up with.”

Giving back is the reason 18-year-old Midland High School senior Savannah Cantwell decided to forgo a spring break ski trip in favor of volunteering at the camp.

Cantwell first got involved with MCT at age 6 when she began attending camp. She began working at camps as a volunteer in the ninth grade.

“I’ve grown very passionate about it,” she said.

Cantwell has taught kindergarten students all four years, and said she enjoys being a positive example for the kids.

“I hope to make a difference in someone’s life (with theater),” she said. “It makes you more confident. I know it did me.”

Tracy Slann, mother of first-grade camper Morgan Slann, said one of her favorite parts of the camp was having older students be good role models for attendees.

“They teach kids to just be happy in their own skin,” she said.

Slann said Morgan specifically asked to go to camp, even though she doesn’t get to sleep in like her friends.

“She just has so much fun,” Slann said. “It just brings her out of her shell.”

Giebler said students attended six classes each day: music, dance, drama, puppetry, art and company, which is where students learned their skit for the Friday finale.

The camp isn’t about training famous actors; it’s about teaching kids valuable life skills, Giebler said.